Senator Steve Saland (R,C Poughkeepsie) today announced that the Senate passed legislation which would increase the duration of permanent orders of protection to provide family members with greater protection from domestic violence (S.6871A).

Presently a permanent order of protection may be issued for up to five years but is often issued for a shorter period of time. The limited duration of orders of protection, combined with high rates of recidivism, often place victims of abuse at risk. This legislation sets new standards for orders of protection, including up to an eight year duration for certain orders.

Under Saland's legislation, in the case of a felony conviction, the duration increases from a maximum of five up to eight years. For Class A misdemeanor convictions, the duration of the final order of protection would increase from three to five years. For all other convictions, the duration of the final order of protection doubles the current one year period.

"Every year, thousands of women and children are injured or killed as a result of domestic violence," said Senator Saland. "Among government’s prime responsibilities is to provide for public safety, especially for those who are particularly vulnerable. I have continuously fought on behalf of victims of crime and abuse, both prior to and since I authored the Family Protection and Domestic Violence Intervention Act. This legislation will strengthen the tools available to law enforcement to help ensure that victims who have the courage to seek help are afforded greater protection."